Q: What is laparoscopic surgery?

A: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery performed using a lighted scope, small camera, and long instruments. The surgeon uses 2-to-4 small incisions instead of one large one. Through these small incisions, the surgeon inserts the instrument needed for the procedure, including a telescope-like instrument containing a small camera to allow interior views of the body. To begin, a small half-inch cut is made in the skin at the belly button. Then a thin tube called a cannula is introduced between the muscle fibers without cutting any of the muscle. Through the cannula, the laparoscope is inserted into the patient’s body. The laparoscope is equipped with a tiny camera and light source that allow it to send images through a fiber-optic cord to a view screen. Watching the screen, the surgeon performs the procedure. Instruments are introduced through the cannulas and the operation is performed exactly as one would have done during an open operation. Because there are no large incisions, the patient has a shorter hospital stay, less pain after surgery, and heals faster.

Q: What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient surgery?

A: Inpatient surgery is selected when the patient’s procedure or postoperative recovery will require a hospital stay for several days. Outpatient surgery is either a same day surgery (arrive for surgery and go home the same day), or a stay for one night.

Q: Why do I need to stop certain medications before surgery?

A: Medications such as aspirin, Coumadin, and Plavix thin the blood and interfere with blood clotting. These medications are stopped from 3-10 days prior to surgery to prevent additional blood loss during surgery. Certain herbal remedies also need to be stopped as they can interfere with clotting or anesthetic effect. Before scheduling any surgery, be sure to visit with your doctor about any medications you are taking.

Q: What are the basic types of anesthesia?

A: There are four basic types of anesthesia used during surgery. Which one
to use is determined by the type of procedure about to be performed.

General Anesthesia: This reversible, unconscious state is characterized by amnesia, analgesia, depression of reflexes, and muscle relaxation. The patient is “asleep.”

Regional Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is injected to anesthetize a nerve or nerve fibers. This category includes spinal and epidurals. A portion of the body is “numb,” but the patient may be awake and talking.

Monitored Anesthesia Care: Infiltration of the surgical site with local anesthetic is done by the surgeon. The anesthetist may supplement the local anesthetic with IV medications to provide analgesia and sedation.

Local Anesthesia: The surgical site is infiltrated with local anesthetics; no other medication is used. The patient is awake, talking, and may drive himself/herself home.